Maharaja Express brings to you the flavour of a royal life on wheels, which existed during the monarchical rule in India. The elegant salons and placid dining halls seem to be a part of the palaces rather than of a train.
You can voyage on any of the five itineraries offered by Maharaja Express. While three of the itineraries take you to a Golden Triangle trip of Jaipur, Agra and Delhi, be at Maharashtra, Varanasi and Khajuraho with the rest two itineraries.
Cabins are the most glamorous part of the train. As you step into a cabin, you feel absolutely at home. Also known as carriages, Maharaja Express comes with 14 guest cabins and can hold up to 88 passengers. The grandeur of every cabin gets reflected in the names; these cabins are named after precious stones, like Moti, Heera, Neelam, Feeroza, Monga and Pokhraj.
Whether you are a single traveller or a group, Maharaja Express has customised cabins for all. While the Presidential Suite (Navaratna) spans over a whole carriage with couple of bedrooms, private bath, drawing room and a dining room, the Deluxe Suite, Junior Suite and Suite are for lesser number of passengers. Besides round the clock room service, each suite is self-sufficient with Wi-Fi facility, LCD televisions, telephones with ISD facility, soft beds, DVD players, modern bathrooms with toiletries and bath tub; the electronic safety deposit is there to ensure utmost security of the incumbents.
Hence the amenities of the cabins of Maharaja Express include:
Dining
The dining car of Maharaja Express is regal in every way. There are two dining cars at the train; one is the Mayur Mahal and the other is the Ranga Mahal.
Mayur Mahal is known for its classic ambience and wide range of delicacies, the Rang Mahal is gorgeous and best place to relish vivid platters of world cuisines; both the dining cars can accommodate 42 passengers. The taste of food increases when served on fine Limoges plates and gold and silver lined cutlery is provided.
The Safari Bar is another interesting part of the Maharaja Express. With its stock of quality drinks and tangy, crispy snacks, it enlivens your spirit after a long day of sightseeing. The décor of the bar is also exhilarating with adventure motifs, supporting its name. The drinks become more enjoyable when served in hand cut crystalline glasses. Last but not the least; food and drinks are served by staff in traditional Indian costumes, giving a feel of the bygone era.
Hence travel on Maharaja Express just not for comfort and luxury but to bask in the real life of the Indian kings along with witnessing their land, palaces and forts.
DAY 01 : Delhi / Agra
After your arrival at the Delhi Safdarjung Railway Station, the crew of Maharaja Express greets you in the traditional way. After completing the formalities, you set off on a historic excursion at 2200 hrs for Agra.
There is a night stay at the train.
DAY 02 : Agra
You reach Agra at 7 am and head towards Taj Mahal. A champagne breakfast is arranged at the Taj Khema.
Taj Mahal is not only a UNESCO world heritage but also one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The memorial was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal and is hence considered to be the edifice of love. Checkout the grandeur of this monument as it changes colour at every phase of the day. The semi-precious stones, delicate inlay and lattice designs, floral paintings and the lush green meadows enhance the beauty of the memorial.
After visiting Taj Mahal you can check out the mighty Agra Fort. This red sandstone monument boasts of the power of the Mughals. With distinguishing palaces like the Sish Mahal (Palace of Mirrors), the Pearl Mosque and the assembly halls, Agra Fort takes you back in time. If tired, you can skip this part of the tour and instead enjoy a spa treatment at one of the 5 star hotels of Agra. If you want to collect some souvenirs, you may also opt for shopping the small marble inlays or checkout carpet weaving at the old streets of Agra. Next you may either return to your suite in Maharaja Express to rest or enjoy the light and music show of Mohabbat, a show dedicated to Taj Mahal.
After dinner at Maharaja Express, you start another journey to Sawai Madhopur.
DAY 03 : Ranthambore / Jaipur
As Maharaja Express enters the Sawai Madhopur station, a exhilarating journey begins. After breakfast you are taken to the Ranthambhore National Park, the natural habitat of the Royal Bengal tigers. Travelogy India arranges for you a jeep or elephant safari as per your choice to help you explore the varied flora and fauna of the park. As you enter the forest, chirps of 272 species of birds greet you; Graylag goose, woodpeckers, hornbills, kingfishers, owls, pigeons, doves the list is never ending.
While you may get some rare snaps of hunting tigers, the sly hyenas, leopards and cool sambar and chital and black bugs are common sights.
After this thrilling trip you head towards the Pink City of Jaipur. Lunch is served onboard.
After reaching Jaipur you may head towards the powerful Amber Fort, where you can reach the top hill on a decked up elephant. Amber Fort offers a panoramic view of Jaipur besides giving an insight on the gallantry and brilliance of the Rajput warriors. If tired, you may skip the fort trip and enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment at a premium spa resort of Jaipur. Shopping is another must do activity at Jaipur. From bright boutique designed apparels to leather shoes, from unique jewellery to adorable mehendi designs, Jaipur is a shopper’s paradise. Get a royal taste of life at the Rambagh Golf Club of Jaipur.
Later in the day you visit the palatial City Palace. While the European and Rajput blend of architecture fascinates you, the antiques, royal belongings and war accessories of the palace museum brings you close to Rajput royal life. Play with baby elephants and spent some time with these gigantic creatures at Jal Mahal.
At evening you return to Maharaja Express and after dinner the train leaves for Bikaner at 2300 hours.
DAY 04 : Bikaner
After relishing a sumptuous breakfast you get down at another marvellous city of Rajasthan, Bikaner; prior to that you may enjoy another spa treatment at the exclusive spa of Maharaja Express. You visit the Lalgarh Palace Museum. This massive sandstone structure is an amalgamation of Mughal, European and Indian style of architecture. With the fourth largest private library of the world and multiple fireplaces, lattice designed pillars, filigree work and Italian colonnades, the grandeur of the edifice is amazing. Visit the 600 years old Deshnok Temple to witness the ancient way of Hindu worship. The temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, the deity of the royal family of Bikaner and Jodhpur.
After lunch at the dining car of Maharaja Express, you are taken to the Junagarh Fort, a blend of Gujarati and Mughal architecture. With stucco designs, sixteenth century wall paintings, mosaic and lattice stone works, this fort exhibits the passion of the Rajputs for art and craft. After this mesmerizing trip you head towards the Sam sand dunes for sundowners; enjoy tea in a Rajput style at the Gajner Palace.
Tonight Maharaja Express leaves for Jodhpur.
DAY 05 : Jodhpur
Today you wake up at the Sun City of Jodhpur. Enjoy breakfast from your coupe viewing the golden sands from the window. You may stay back in the train to spend some time by yourself, indulging in the world class amenities of Maharaja Express. You may opt for another spa session at a well known spa resort of Jodhpur or take a heritage tour to Bishno Temple (if time permits).
After lunch it is time to be at one of the largest Indian forts, the Mehrangarh Fort. Located at 400 feet above the skyline of Jodhpur, it is also one of the most well preserved forts of the country. Stroll at the Old Clock Tower Market; visit the Umaid Bhawan Palace and Jaswant Thada to get some more insight into the rich paintings and architectural efficacy of Rajput times.
At evening everyone gathers at the Hanwant Mahal for a cocktail evening which is entertaining with folk song and dance programmes and colourful with fireworks.
Tonight Maharaja Express leaves for the Lake City of Udaipur.
DAY 06 : Udaipur
Today your day starts with a lip smacking breakfast at the train. Later you can enjoy a cruise over the crystalline waters of Lake Pichola and then be at the largest palace complex of Rajasthan, the City Palace of Udaipur. A cocktail of Chinese, European and Medieval style of architecture, the City Palace is a trat to the eyes. Wholly erected in granite and marble, this palace is a treat to the eyes with its hanging gardens, pavilions and domes. Today lunch is served at Jag Mandir, a palace located on an island at the heart of Lake Pichola. As water ripples around and cool breeze caresses you, it is an enthralling dining experience.
Rest of the day you can shop or watch the light and music show at the palace ground.
Dinner is at the train and tonight you travel to Balasinor.
DAY 07 : Balasinor
Today we awake at the 18th century town of Balasinor city of Gujarat. Start your trip of the city with a visit to the Fossil Park. With fossilized dinosaur eggs, bones and other remains of these prehistoric giants, it is the second largest dinosaur park of the world.
Witness the rustic village life of India with a village walk and later rest your tired feet over the soft grass of the Garden Palace. While the 8 rooms reflect the lavishness of royal era, the Choti Baadi houses ancient mausoleums, as old as 400 years.
Today you enjoy a royal lunch with the royal family of Balasinor at the Garden Palace. Afterwards you may rest at your cabin of Maharaja Express. Today the train leaves for Mumbai; dinner is served onboard.
DAY 08 : Mumbai
Today breakfast is served at the train. As the train reaches the Lokmanya Tilak terminus you de-board the train and set off on your next journey.
!! BACK HOME WITH SWEET MEMORIES!!
